Need for Speed: Payback

Play through an explosive adventure as three distinct characters united by one common goal: revenge.

Need for Speed: Payback is a car racing game made by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts. It is set in an open world environment of Fortune Valley. It is focused on “action driving” and has three playable characters (each with different sets of skills) working together to pull off action movie like sequences. In contrast with the previous game, it also features a 24-hour day-night cycle. Unlike the 2015 Need for Speed reboot, Payback includes an offline single-player mode. Need for Speed: Payback features a total of 74 cars, with all 2015 reboot manufacturers, except Toyota (including the Scion brand) and Ferrari, returning; the aforementioned two manufacturers do not feature in the game due to licensing issues. Aston Martin, Audi, Buick, Jaguar, Koenigsegg, Land Rover, Mercury, Mini, Pagani, and Plymouth make a reappearance after their absence from the 2015 installment.

Need for Speed: Payback Trailer

Need for Speed: Payback Review

6.7Total Score

Good

Need for Speed Payback feels like the natural evolution of the series, and that’s a good thing considering the game ends with a great tease for a potential sequel. It isn’t perfect – but it’s a nice step up from prior entries. Outside of Rivals, the series has really struggled over the past five or so years to really find its own way. There's plenty to do: many different type of races and a huge world with night & day cycle to explore, full of events, collectibles, opponents to challenge and one of the best car customization in the series. Your car is at the center of everything you do. Craft unique rides with deeper performance and visual customization than ever before. From intense missions to high stakes car battles to jaw dropping set piece moments, Need for Speed Payback delivers an edge-of-your-seat, action-driving fantasy. Ghost Games is on the right track with Need for Speed: Payback, but there are still aspects to polish. However, the experience is fun overall.